Overview & Reviews

With a few well-established vehicles dominating the midsize sedan segment, and numerous likable competitors trying to unseat them, it's tough for any particular vehicle to stand out. But the Mazda 6 has often offered something most competitors don't: charisma.

While just about any car in this segment will get the job done, the Mazda 6 manages to engage the driver in the process. This was particularly true of the first-generation 6, which had a relatively compact, European-size footprint and sporty suspension tuning that gave the car a remarkably nimble feel. For the second- and third-generation 6, Mazda enlarged the dimensions but retained much of the original model's handling panache. Whichever vintage you choose, the Mazda 6 is a solid choice as a midsize sedan.

Current Mazda 6
The Mazda 6 midsize sedan comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. Two transmissions are available: a six speed manual or a six-speed automatic (with shift paddles on the steering wheel).

Sport, Touring and Grand Touring are the three trim levels for the current Mazda 6. Standard equipment on the base Sport with the manual transmission includes a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, air-conditioning, cruise control, full power accessories, a 60/40-split rear seat and a six-speaker sound system. The automatic transmission-equipped Sport gets Bluetooth, an infotainment touchscreen and a rearview camera.

Stepping up to the Touring adds items such as keyless ignition and entry, blind-spot monitoring, dual-zone climate control and a power-adjustable driver seat. Options for the Touring include automatic headlights, a sunroof, an upgraded sound system, navigation and a frontal collision mitigation system. The Grand Touring gets all the standard and optional features from the Touring, plus bi-xenon headlights, foglights, leather upholstery and heated front seats. Notable options for the Grand Touring include adaptive cruise control and the i-Eloop system that improves fuel economy by 2-3 mpg.

Visually, the 6 is no wallflower, with a distinctive face and a sleek profile that stands out in a crowd. In terms of practicality, the Mazda 6 also stacks up well against class leaders such as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry with regard to passenger space and cargo volume. Moreover, most midsize sedans can't match the Mazda's entertaining character on twisty back roads. The car's main downsides are an electronic interface that's a little behind the times and a ride quality that some drivers might deem a tad too stiff.

Used Mazda 6 Models
The newest, third-generation Mazda 6 appeared for 2014. Compared to the previous-generation model, the latest 6 differentiates itself with sleeker styling, higher fuel economy and added safety features. Mazda hasn't made any major changes since.

The second-generation Mazda 6 debuted for the 2009 model year and was produced through 2013. There were two available engines: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 170 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque or a 3.7-liter V6 that put out 272 hp and 269 lb-ft. The four-cylinder was paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic, while the V6 was only available with a six-speed automatic.

In its second generation, the 6 was available in five trim levels: i Sport, i Touring, i Touring Plus, i Grand Touring and s Grand Touring. Models with the "i" prefix come with the four-cylinder engine, while those with the "s"prefix come with the V6. Base models were respectably equipped, while higher trim levels came with such niceties as a sunroof, Bluetooth, dual-zone automatic climate control and an audible blind-spot monitoring system. Other notable options included xenon headlights, keyless ignition and entry, satellite radio and a navigation system.

As with other Mazda 6 models, we appreciated this generation's sporty handling. It was also pretty practical thanks to a roomy interior and a big trunk. On the downside, though, fuel economy wasn't the best in the segment and interior materials were lackluster. In its final couple years, this 6 also seemed increasingly outdated compared to newer rivals from Hyundai, Nissan and Toyota. But overall we think it's still worth considering as a used family sedan.

Launched for the 2003 model year and produced through 2008, the first-generation Mazda 6 was initially available only as a sedan, while a four-door hatchback and a wagon joined the lineup from 2004-'07. There were two basic trim levels: i and s. The Mazda 6 i was powered by a 160-hp four-cylinder engine mated to either a manual or an automatic transmission. The s came with a 220-hp 3.0-liter V6 -- also available with a manual transmission or an automatic.

The Mazdaspeed 6 was a turbocharged, all-wheel-drive variant of the Mazda 6 sedan that was only offered in 2006 and '07. Boasting 278 hp, a six-speed manual transmission and sports-car-like handling, this European-style sedan delivered great driving excitement. As a used car, it's a compelling package for those with a need for speed, not to mention all-wheel-drive traction.

With power accessories, cruise control and pleasant cloth upholstery, even base models were reasonably well equipped. Optional features included a rear spoiler, foglights, leather seating, a power sunroof and an upgraded audio system with a CD changer.

We like the original Mazda 6 for its edgy, handsome design and stylish interior. Even more impressive were its communicative steering and tight suspension. Both the hatchback and wagon were fun-to-drive and sensible alternatives to other sedans and even SUVs. On the downside, the first-gen Mazda 6's interior quality was lacking, and the sedan was relatively short on passenger space. Moreover, the V6 lacked the punch of rival uplevel motors.

There were a few changes made to the first-generation Mazda 6 over the years. In 2005, a six-speed automatic replaced the five-speed unit on V6 models. For 2006, four-cylinder cars received an upgraded five-speed automatic in place of the old four-speed, and all Mazda 6 models were treated to minor styling updates. The 2006 and '07 models benefited from additional safety features being made standard.

User Reviews:

• 

  Reliable and Worth the Cost - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By John K - April 27 - 9:36 pm

  This has been an excellent and fun car to own.

• 

  Gas Guzzler - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mazdanomore - April 26 - 3:50 pm

  Did Mazda six stand for 6 miles to a gallon less than advertised? Used to own Plymouth Breeze that got on average 5 miles to gallon better. Ive had it in the shop 3 times now for a rattle coming out of the dash when AC/defrost is on. Dealership still doesnt know what it is, and even tried to bill me for a $130 on the first look because they said it was leaves jammed up in the cabin air filter. Probably will look at a different make and will sell this off before I pay out my lease. Other than looking good, car seems a little less than average. For 10,000 miles, I wouldnt have expected to be in the shop 4 times to fix things.

• 

  2010 MazdaA6 Grand Touring - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Bill - April 19 - 6:40 am

  Just bought the car over the weekend. We looked at about a dozen in this category and went with the Mazda. So far we really like all the options, BlueTooth, Nav, Sirius etc.

• 

  Very Functional, Fun Car to Drive - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mark - April 10 - 1:23 pm

  I purchased this car after owning a Tribute for five years. I love to drive and the Tribute was not fun to drive. This car handles about as well as an A4 and has a great combo of sportiness and comfort. Quiet, rattle free and a HUGE cargo area. I can put a bicycle in the back without removing either wheel. Its basically a wagon that looks nice. I love the exterior styling. The only qualm I have about the car is lack of low end torque from the V6. Nothing happens until 3000rpm or so. But, no worries, I like to rev it. It cruises on the highway with no effort. Very quiet and the Bose system is fabulous. Great car for the money.

• 

  Solid Performer - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Skyline - March 31 - 7:50 am

  I am very impressed with the quality build of this vehicle. For a 4 cylinder engine, its very smooth and punchy. The ride is very comfortable even on 4 hour trips. Interior is solid and functional. The handling is superb for this vehicles class; its precise and confident. I can imagine the ride to improve vastly with the V6 engine. Its a great daily commuter with a sportier flavor to it. Spirited driving is not a problem with this car.

• 

  Best in class mid-sized sedan - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By greg16891 - March 11 - 11:19 am

  After placing an order in March of 13, I got my vehicle in August and I now have 16K trouble free miles on it. After reading virtually all of the available reviews on affordable mid sized sedans and driving those that I was willing to consider (Honda, Toyota, Chevy, Hyundai and Subaru), buying a 6 was an easy decision. The car has met all of my expectations for a fun to drive sedan that gets solid gas mileage and that does not look like everything else on the road.

• 

  Great Car / Great Value - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By nycmoose - March 9 - 7:10 pm

  Handles like a sports car, especially on twisty country roads, FUN to drive and as comfortable as a big highway cruiser on long trips. My opinion: you dont need the V6; the 4 is sufficient and when you need to punch it it really takes off. Mileage from 23 to 29 mixed highway/city and with and without a/c. 4,700 miles and so far not a squeak, rattle or problem. Perfect size vehicle, plenty of room yet agile; cant beat the versatility of the hatch. Excellent driving position; very comfortable seats. Very quiet. Transmission nice and smooth. On the downside: bad rear over the shoulder blind spot; side mirrors dont retract (very bad for living in NYC); turning radius is annoying but not horrible.

• 

  Mixed Bag - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Bobby - March 6 - 2:56 am

  I am easy on my vehicles and drive them for 10-12+ years. I hope this car passes the Toyota quality/dependability test. Inside quality seems good (although the small door forward of the shift lever comes unhinged and a lens on the lower driver door light fell out) Controls for the HVAC are dumb. Did any of the designers try to work these things? Knobs either need to project farther and have knurling on them or they need to be rotary dials. Ditto for the radio. The same goes for the multi-function stalks. Move the rear wiper to the dash and simplify. Fuel mileage stinks. I would like to see the 4 cylinder and 16" tires available in the full tilt wagon pkg. I hope reliability is good.

• 

  A Fun Driving Companion - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Becker - March 3 - 3:23 am

  I bought this new as my primary car. Well start with the downs. This car gets horrible mileage for a midsize family sedan. It gets around 17/25. It also is not the quickest in a straight line (a V6 Camry will smoke it). But now the ups. It is a good looker in and out, and has decent space all around. It is also a quality product. It is a great tourer and is comfortable for the long and short haul. But by far the best thing about this car is that it is fun to drive. It is very sporty and carves corners like a pavement scalpel. This car is just a laugh and its great. It will do standing front drive burnouts all day long,& it will take a racing line around a neighborhood like a pro. Its great!

• 

  Its still a great car. - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Kiwi - March 2 - 6:46 am

  I bought the V6 when it first came out. I loved the styling of the car, especially compared to the Camry & Accord. It handles much better than those two as well, tighter, stiffer. I think its looks are holding up very well. Yes, there were a few teething problems with it. Squeaking/knocking noise when turning slowly at full lock(lower control arm issues). Rattle that comes & goes from the headliner. The very annoying shifting issues from 1st-2nd, 2nd-3rd(this was a defective throttle body problem that cost me $600 last year).